English II CP

English II CP: The Power of the Human Spirit

Ms. Miller, H3

lmiller@opusd.org

The Class

We are going to read, write, discuss, analyze, share perspectives, reflect and form an educated opinion on a great many things this year. Specifically, we are going to study great works of fiction and nonfiction in an effort to understand the power of the human spirit and the individual in the face of perilous circumstances. We will accomplish this goal by reading works of fiction in the English language: a novel of students own choosing, powerful short stories, a Shakespearean play (The Tragedy of Julius Caesar), The Pearl and Catcher in the Rye. We will also study Elie Wiesel’s haunting holocaust memoir Night and Enrique’s Journey.

Materials

See requested supplies list! All materials must be brought to every class. This includes whichever text we happen to be reading at the time, your district issued Chromebook (fully charged) and your earbuds.

Grades

Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of course material in all the usual ways: homework (no late work accepted), essays, reading for pleasure, daily reading quizzes, projects, cooperative group work, Socratic Seminars, tests etc. I grade in points, not percentages and I round up at .5 (example: 89.5 = A-).

Deconstructing the “no late work” policy

*The OPHS English Department has a policy of not accepting late work on long term assignments and homework.

*Daily homework is due the next class unless otherwise noted; no late work accepted.

*Make-up work is regular work (not long term) assigned the day a student is absent. The student can turn in make-up work after the same interval of time the absence occurred. Example: regular work is assigned on Monday, while you are out sick. You return Wednesday; the work from Monday is then due Friday.

*Regular work (not long term) due the day you are out sick can be brought to the class the day you return.

*Long term work assigned 2-4 weeks in advance is due the day it is due, at the start of the period, even if you are not at school that day; no late work will be accepted. Have a friend, parent, sibling bring it in for you.

Extra Credit

There are roughly two extra credit opportunities per semester and students are strongly encouraged to do both. You never know when you will need “insurance” points. When people come to me at the end of the semester and say, “Is there anything I can do to get that A-; I’m so close?” The first thing I will ask is, “Did you do all the extra credit?” Keeping hold of sacred documents (colorful papers) will also earn 5 extra credit points each!